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Shirley Police Department rallies around chief

SHIRLEY -- A letter of support for the police chief written and signed by members of the department will not be read at an upcoming selectmen's meeting.

The Board of Selectmen placed Chief Thomas Goulden on administrative leave Feb. 27 pending an investigation. The reason for the investigation has not been disclosed.

Signed by 19 members of the department, including officers, dispatchers and others, the letter says that Goulden has been a positive influence for the agency and the town. Since his departure, morale declined and most officers are not sure if they have a future with the department, it stated.

"We expect to see Chief Goulden back to work as soon as possible; unless there is just cause to keep him on administrative leave," the letter states.

The letter was written after several employees talked and decided they wanted to make their voices heard, according to Detective Olivia Siekman, who was reached by phone. They requested that it be placed on the agenda and read aloud at the next Board of Selectmen's meeting.

Reading the letter in a selectmen's meeting makes no sense, said Chairman Rico Cappucci, who denied the request.

"If we're looking to investigate the chief, which we are, it looks like we're trying to play both sides," he said.

Although it is not appropriate for the board to read the letter, It is right for the employees to stand up for what they think is right by giving the letter to the newspaper, he said. "I do not in any way condemn them for what they're doing.

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Because the discussion on the investigation has been held in executive session, Cappucci said he cannot talk about the reasons for it.

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